Portable upright stand

ABSTRACT

A stand suitable for attachment to a floatable or inflatable structure, for supporting an upright, comprising: first and second arcuate sections, curving in opposed directions; a hollow tubular support for receiving the upright; wherein the hollow tubular support is located between said first and second arcuate sections and connected to each of said sections. Preferably, the stand also includes a central support having a top side and a bottom side; wherein said hollow tubular support is located on said top side of said central support and extends substantially perpendicular to said central support; and said tubular support is connected to said first and second arcuate sections on the bottom side of said central support.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a stand for attaching upright structures suchas umbrellas, shade poles, lights, fishing rods, tables, flags, barrierpoles or any other upright structure to inflatable platforms, walkways,pontoons or other objects

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In the field of this invention it is known that floatable inflatableplatforms are becoming more and more popular, especially for use in hotclimates where UV is a problem. Users may be spending several hours aday, relaxing at water level where they can swim and enjoy being closeto the water.

A method of providing shade is needed to prevent skin burning and theobvious negative effects of too much exposure to the suns UV.

There are currently two alternative methods of providing shade to afloatable inflatable platform.

1. Inflatable Canopies

Inflatable canopies such as shown in FIG. 1 can be unsightly in designdue to the size they need to be for people to be able to walk under,also due to the fact they are light in their construction, they can actas a balloon and create lift and windage which is undesirable ifattached to a platform on the sea, particularly from a safety point ofview if the wind picks up suddenly. They need multiple connection pointsto strap them down. They take time to inflate and in the event of windincreasing rapidly, take time to deflate and pack away. Also, the shadeis in a fixed position and can't be adjusted as the platform movesaround on the sea.

2. Bimini Style

A bimini style arrangement as shown in FIG. 2, is a way of providingshade over inflatable platforms. A bimini requires a large stainlessframe that is heavy and difficult to store on board yachts, wherestowage is at a premium. The problem with this is arrangement is thatthe shade is in a fixed position, which may not be the optimum positionfor covering users, particularly if the inflatable is positioned on afloating platform in the sea facing the sun. Due to changes in seaconditions and currents etc, it is not always possible to keep theinflatable in the desired position to maintain the shade.

Another problem is the height of the bimini shade is fixed, andtherefore this restricts the position users have to adopt to be in ableto get shade. Often the only shaded position under a bimini style is tobe either lying down or seated and not able to switch between both, andcertainly not a standing position.

It is very difficult to attach a fixed pole umbrella to an inflatable,in such a manner as to keep the umbrella fixed firmly in an uprightposition, without damaging the inflatable below. For umbrella stands onland very often the bottom part is a container filled with sand or otherheavy object such as concrete to providing the necessary stability forthe umbrella. Therefore, attaching an upright stand to a light objectsuch as an inflatable, whilst maintaining the stand substantiallyvertically is challenging.

Appearance is also important, and yachts or superyachts generally desirestylish accessories that fit well with the lines of their yachts, aswell as the ability to attach umbrellas that match the style of theumbrellas on the yachts. Floatable inflatable platforms are used asfloating extensions to a yacht, with the same design elements. With anumbrella, people can walk around freely in the shade they provide oradjust the umbrella into position for a seated or laying position.

Accordingly, the invention seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate oneor more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, either singly or in anycombination. Aspects of the invention provide for a portable uprightstand, for example to be used with a water-based platform, such as afloatable or inflatable platform, to hold an umbrella or other uprightstructure over the platform.

Therefore, a moveable upright stand, that may be used to support theupright of an adjustable umbrella, shade can be provided as desired topeople that are either laying, seated, or stood on the platform.

Of course, there is also the possibility to attach two or more stands toa platform, to provide additional shade if required.

The portable upright stand can support a myriad of other productsbesides an umbrella. Other examples include:

a) Support for promotional advertising flags for retail or rental kiosksor other users;b) As supports for uprights positioned along the edge of a platform tocreate walkway handrails;c) Support for barriers to enclose a private area, or a performance areafor example;d)Support for up lights to allow the platforms to be easily used afterdark;e) As a support for a larger shade over one or more platforms, connectedto the uprights at various points;f) As a support for tables on the platform, where a table leg issupported by the stand to allow a table to be attached securely to theplatforms;g) As a support for a fishing rod.

According to the invention there is provided a stand suitable forattachment to a floatable or inflatable structure, for supporting anupright, comprising first and second arcuate sections, curving inopposed directions; a hollow tubular support for receiving the upright;wherein the hollow tubular support is located between said first andsecond arcuate sections and connected to each of said sections.

Preferably, the stand further comprises a central support having a topside and a bottom side; wherein said hollow tubular support is locatedon said top side of said central support and extends substantiallyperpendicular to said central support; and said tubular support isconnected to said first and second arcuate sections on the bottom sideof said central support

Preferably the first and section arcuate section are connected to saidcentral support proximate the perimeter of said central support. Furtherpreferably the first and second arcuate sections are connected at theircommon tangent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention least one of said first andsecond arcuate sections has an elliptical or circular shape curved toprovide the arcuate section. Further preferably, at least one of saidfirst and second arcuate sections is a partial section of the outersurface of a tube. In an alternative embodiment of the invention saidfirst and second arcuate sections are sections of the circumference ofan ellipse or circle, and further comprising third and fourth arcuatesections that are sections of the circumference of an ellipse or circle,said third and fourth section located at the opposite end of saidcentral support and parallel to said first and second arcuate sectionsrespectively.

Preferably, the stand may further comprise at least one reinforcing ribbetween one of said first and third arcuate sections and said second andfourth arcuate sections.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one of said firstand third arcuate sections, or at least one of said second and fourtharcuate sections are complete circles or ellipses; joined by at leastone reinforcing rib.

Still further preferably, both of said first and third arcuate sections,or both of said second and fourth arcuate sections are complete circlesor ellipses, so in one of the opposed directions the tubular section issupported by a partial curved section, and in the opposed direction thetubular section is supported by a circular or elliptical section,defining a tubular region that a support element can pass through.

Further preferably said first and second arcuate sections are the samesize.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of said first and secondarcuate sections extends beyond the central support, and the other doesnot extend beyond the central support.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the stand furthercomprises a releasable locking system for releasably securing theupright in said support. Preferably, said releasable locking system is athreaded bolt that screws into said tubular support to hold said uprightin position. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be provided as ahole on the tubular section, which will engage a push fit switch on theupright to hold the upright in position.

In an example of the invention, the stand includes at least oneadditional securing fixing on said tubular support for securing saidstand to said structure at a secondary location on said structure.Preferably, said additional securing fixing is a D-ring affixed to theouter surface of said tubular support.

Preferably, said central support is a substantially circular.Alternatively, the central support is substantially rectangular. In afurther preferred embodiment of the invention said central support is asolid rectangular or circular plate.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention said central support isformed from a circumference and at least one circumferential supportextending from said circumference to connect said circumference to theouter of said tubular support.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portable upright standis claim that is formed of metal, preferably stainless steel, oraluminium. Alternatively, the portable upright stand may be formed ofplastic, or carbon, or other material of suitable high strength.

This invention relates to a portable upright stand that is small, lightand can accommodate a number of upright objects that can be used for amultitude of purposes. It is quick to put into place (typically lessthan 2 minutes) and can accommodate umbrellas and shades that alreadyexist on the market. The stand is easy to store and maintain. It lookslike a luxurious item in keeping with the markets expectations. Theseand other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidatedwith reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Inthe drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like orfunctionally similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art inflatable canopy

FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art bimini arrangement,

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a portable upright stand according to afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an alternative side view of the portable upright standaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the portable upright stand according to afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a portable upright stand according to amodified first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a close-up front view of the top of a portable upright standaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to asecond embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of a portable upright standaccording to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to athird embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a portable upright stand according to a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to athird embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a portable upright stand according to a fourthembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to afourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is an alternative perspective view of a portable upright standaccording to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 shows the attachment of a portable upright stand of the firstembodiment to an inflatable platform;

FIG. 18 is an end on view showing the portable upright stand of thefirst embodiment in position between two inflatables;

FIG. 19 is a perspective top view of the portable upright stand of thefourth embodiment in position;

FIG. 20 is a view of the underside of a platform and Air Toggle with theportable upright stand of the fourth embodiment in position;

FIG. 21 is a close-up view of the portable upright stand of the firstembodiment in position;

FIG. 22 is an alternative view of the portable upright stand of thefirst embodiment in position;

FIG. 23 is a a perspective view of a portable upright stand according toa further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portable upright stand according to afurther embodiment of the invention

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioningof some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative toother elements to help to improve understanding of various embodimentsof the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements thatare useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are oftennot depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of thesevarious embodiments of the present invention. It will further beappreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described ordepicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in theart will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence isnot actually required. It will also be understood that the terms andexpressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as isaccorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in thetechnical field as set forth above except where different specificmeanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As the illustrated examples of the present invention may for the mostpart, be implemented using components known to those skilled in the art,details will not be explained in any greater extent than that considerednecessary as illustrated below, for the understanding and appreciationof the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not toconfuse or distract from the teachings of the present invention.

Although examples of the invention are described with reference tovarious sizes and shapes of portable upright stands, it is envisagedthat other sizes and shapes of stand may benefit from the conceptsdescribed herein.

The portable upright stand (for supporting an umbrella/sun-shade or anyother object with a suitable pole or upright) is designed to be heldupright by air pressure when the stand is positioned between twoinflatables, such as a floatable inflatable platform, or inflatable airtoggles, or other inflatable or floatable objects. The strength of theAir Pressure combined with the design of the portable upright standkeeps it upright. The portable upright stand can be kept in placebetween a platform and an inflatable Air Toggle, using the Air Togglesystem as described in GB2531066 to link the platforms.

The operation will be described in detail below, but in summary, theplatform is inflated and the portable upright stand is positioned alonga side of the platform, a deflated Air toggle is fed through the AirToggle loops of the platform on the other side of the portable uprightstand and inflated. The Air Toggle of the platform and the inflated AirToggle will hold the umbrella stand in place—pinning it against the wallof the platform with the pressure from the Air Toggle.

FIGS. 3 to 5, 7 and 8 are various different views of a first embodimentof a portable upright stand 100. As shown the stand is made of metalsuch as stainless steel, but other materials, such a high-density UVresistant plastic, carbon, or other metals (e.g. aluminium) are examplesof different materials that may also be used. The shade has a centralhollow tubular section 101, with interior 112 for receiving a stand orother support. The tubular section 101 is affixed at the bottom end to atop surface 103 of a central support plate 102. Close to the top end ofthe tubular section 101 are one or more D-rings, 107, welded to theouter of tubular section 101, these may be welded anywhere on the outer,but preferably they are equally spaced on the outer surface. When theyare separated by 180 degrees they are positioned so that the D-rings arein line with the edge of the platform when inflated, so that guide wirescan be affixed between the portable upright stand and a platformsupporting the portable upright stand, in line with fittings on theplatform. Guide wires 109, and wire guide 108 are affixed to D-rings 107to act as secondary support to keep the portable upright stand 100upright in winds and other atmospheric or water conditions to the topsurface of an inflatable platform (as described with reference to FIG.17). The tubular section 101 is also provided with locking region 111,that receives a threaded screw 110. When a pole or other upright isinserted into the interior 112 of tubular section 101, the screw 110 istightened to hold the upright in position in the portable upright stand.There may also be other means of securing a pole/uptight in the interior112, for example, the tubular section 101 may be provided with a cut-out(not shown) for receiving a push fit connector of the upright, whichpops out when the upright is inserted, and will need to be physicallydepressed to allow the upright to be removed from the interior 112.

Preferably, the tubular section 101 has an inner diameter of 30 mm andlength of 195 mm, although other diameters/lengths than are smaller orlarger may be possible. Tubular section 101 is fixed to the top surface103 of central support plate 102, preferably by welding for metal, or byother securing methods if the tube is made of plastic or othernon-metallic material, in the centre of the circular metal piece, tohouse the umbrella pole or upright pole. Preferably, the inner of thetubular section 101 has a circular cross-section, but other crosssections, such as square, rectangular, oval, or other regular shape maybe possible.

Attached to the bottom surface 104 of central support plate areelliptical sections 105, 106 that are curved to have a C-shape.Typically, elliptical sections 105, 106 are sized to match the height ofthe inflatable platform and an Air Toggle they will be affixed to. In apreferred embodiment the height of the platform is 200 mm, so thediameter of sections 105, 106 will be 200 mm, but they may be smaller orlarger, for example 100 mm, 150 mm, 300 mm, 350 mm or 450 mm. As shownsections 105, 106 are fixed together, preferably by welding or othersecuring methods at the centre position 120 (the tangent where thesections touch) to give a shape of two back to back C's in the sideview. FIG. 6 shows a modification to the first embodiment were thecurved sections 105 are circular rather than elliptical/oval. All othercomponents of this modified embodiment are as described above withrespect to FIGS. 3-5, 7 and 8.

As shown, in this first embodiment (and the modified first embodiment),the central support plate 102 is circular, and the diameter of the plateis equal to the distance between the top of elliptical sections 105,106, and the top of the elliptical sections 105, 106 are connected tothe outer edge of the bottom surface 104 of support plate 102 at 115. Ofcourse, the support plate may have another shape, and circular is merelythe preferred shape for the first embodiment. Indeed, the plate may alsoextend over the elliptical sections 105, 106, so that they are connectedto the interior of the bottom surface 104, and not the perimeter.

In this embodiment of the invention, the central support plate is asolid support plate, with a circumference, and then a complete innerwithin the circumference. FIGS. 23 and 24 show further embodiments ofthe invention, where the central support plate, is not a solid plate butis formed from the circumference 150, 250 of the plate, withcircumference supports 152,252 extending from the circumference to jointhe inner of the circumference to the outer of tubular section 101, 201.In an example of the invention, there are two supports 152, 252 equallyspaced around the circumference and extending to the outer of tubularsection, but there may be any number more than two of the circumferencesupports for joining the circumference to the tubular section.Preferably, they will be equally spaced around the circumference, but insome examples of the invention, they may be randomly spaced around thecircumference. Preferably, the circumference supports are wires, such asmetal, or plastic, or any other material that has good resistance torust, but they may also be solid sections. In some further embodimentsof the invention, some of the sections 154, 254 bound by thecircumference 150, 250 and the circumference supports 152, 252 may befilled in, with part of the support plate, or glass, or plastic, orother material. All other features of FIGS. 23 and 24 are as shown inprevious figures

Threaded screw 110 with a turning handle is preferably positioned 100 mm(or at any convenient measurement) from the top of the tubular section101 tube, to engage with locking hole 111 protruding from tubularsection 101 on the centre line, in a threaded hole. This is used totighten and fix an upright in position when it has been inserted intoinner of tubular section 101. D-rings 107 are fixed to the outer surfaceof tubular section, separated by 180°. Preferably they are fixed to theouter surface by welding if the tubular section is metal or plastic, butother securing methods may also be used, according to the materials tobe fixed together. Preferably, the D-rings are positioned to beperpendicular to the elliptical sections 105, 106, but may be positionedanywhere on the outer of the tubular section. Preferably AdditionalD-rings may also be provided, and this case the D-rings 107 aretypically regularly spaced around the outer surface of tubular section101. The D-rings are located approx. 20 mm from the top of the tubularsection 101, but they may be provided anywhere along the length oftubular section 101. D-rings 107 are used in order to attach supportingguide wires, 109, which attach to the top surface of an inflatableplatform, to prevent side to side movement of the umbrella or other itemthat is being supported.

In the description of the other embodiments that follow like elementswill have corresponding reference numerals, so the portable uprightstand of the second embodiment is referenced as 200, for the thirdembodiment the portable upright stand is referenced as 300, and for thefourth embodiment the portable upright stand is referenced as 400.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the portable upright stand of the second embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment, the portable upright stand issimilar to the first embodiment, except for the following differences.Firstly, the central plate 202 is rectangular rather than circular.

Secondly, the elliptical sections, are each comprised of two parallelcurved sections, 205, 205′; 206,206′ (rather than a single curvedelliptical section) that are each connected at one end to the bottomsurface 204 of the central plate 202. The curves sections typicallydefine a third of the circumference of a circle and are sized to matchthe size and shape of the inflatables the portable upright stand will besandwiched between. Preferably, the ends of parallel curved sections205, 205′; 206, 206′ are connected to adjacent corners of bottom surface204. The opposite ends of each parallel curved sections 205, 205′;206,206′ are joined by support rib 240 that extends between the curvedsections 205, 205′; 206, 206′. Curved sections 205, 206 and 205′, 206′are position back-to-back to curve away from each other and areconnected together 220, preferably by welding at the tangent where thecurves touch.

In this preferred embodiment the support rib 240 extends between theends of the curved sections 205, 205′; 206, 206′ but may be locatedbetween any two locations on the curved sections, preferably, locationsthat are directly opposite each other. In the embodiment as illustrated,the area defined by the support rib 240, curved sections 205′, 206′ andouter edge of bottom surface 204 of central plate 202 is a partialcircumferential section of a tube. In operation the upright to besupported is inserted into the interior 212 of the tubular section 201.Although not shown, this embodiment may also include the locking screwand locking hole of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 11-13 show the portable upright stand of the third embodiment ofthe invention. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, inthat it is provided with hollow tubular section 301, rectangular centralplate 302 with top surface 303 and bottom surface 304. The portableupright stand is also provided with parallel curved sections 305, 305′;306, 306′, where sections 305, 305′ are back-to-back with sections 306,306′, and connected at the common tangent of the two opposed curvedsections. Like the second embodiment, the bottom ends of the parallelcurved sections are connected via support rib 340. In this embodiment,each curved section 305, 305′, 306, 306′ is connected to the centralplate at connection 315, and then each curved section 305, 305′, 306,306′ further extends out above and past the central support plate 302.The top ends of parallel curved sections 305, 305′ and 306, 306′ areconnected by supporting rib 350. As shown, the supporting ribs extendbetween the ends of parallel curved sections 305, 305′; 306, 306, butthey may extend between any two points of the parallel, sections,preferably points that are at directly opposed locations. Curvedsections 305, 306 and 305′, 306′ are position back-to-back to curve awayfrom each other and are connected together 320, preferably by welding atthe tangent where the curves touch.

Preferably, the parallel curved sections are semi-circular and the shapedefined by the parallel curved sections 305, 305′; 306, 306′ and thesupporting ribs 340, 350, is that of the outer perimeter of halfcylinder.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show the portable upright stand 400 according to a fourthembodiment of the invention. The tubular section 401 and central plate402 are as described above for the second and third embodiments. Thisembodiment has first parallel curved sections 405, 405′ that correspondto curved sections 205, 205′ of the second embodiment, and havecorresponding supporting rib 440, and are connected to the supportingplate as previously described. As for previous embodiments, sections405, 405′ are back to back with parallel curved sections 406, 406′ andare connected at the tangents where the opposed sections meet. In thisembodiment sections 406, 406′ are complete circles that abut thesections 405, 405′. The circles 406, 406′ are connected to the bottomsurface of central support plate 402 at 415, and the two parallelcircles are connected by at least one bracing rib 460 that extendbetween the parallel circles 406, 406′. Preferably the supporting ribsare parallel to the central plate 402, but they may be positioned indifferent orientations.

In all of the above embodiments the curved sections under the centralsupport plate are defined by the edges, and the interior bound by theedges is empty. In alternative embodiments however, it is possible thatall of the curved sections may be solid. In this case, in the firstembodiment curved sections 105, 106 are solid ellipses (rather thandefining the perimeter of the ellipses), similarly, in the secondembodiment, the curved sections, 205, 205′; 206, 206′, supporting rib240 and bottom surface 204 of central plate 202 may be the perimeter ofa solid section that is partial surface of a cylinder. Similarly, forthe other embodiments, the curved sections may define solid curvedsections, rather than simply defining the perimeter of a curvedsection/cylinder that does not have a partial/total interior.

In the various embodiments described above the portable upright stand ismade of metal. Preferably stainless steel. The portable upright standmay also be coated metal, for example with a rubber, plastic or powdercoated coat, or an enamel coating. In this case, the coating may preventthe portable upright stand from rusting, and potential transferring rustor other material from the portable upright stand onto the platform orair toggle that it is connected to. Alternatively, the portable uprightstand may be made of other material such as UV resistant mouldedplastic, or carbon. Basically, as long as the material is of suitablestrength and resistant to exposure to sea or other weather conditions.

FIGS. 17, 18, 21 and 22 show the portable upright stand of the firstembodiment in position and attached between an inflatable platform 700,and an Air Toggle 710. Typically, the platform and Air Toggle will beinflated to 5.5 psi/379 mb, but the invention will work with platformsthat are inflated over a range of different pressures or may beplatforms that are not inflatable.

The portable upright stand 100 is placed in between the inflatedplatform 700 and the deflated Air Toggle 710, which is in position,through the Air Toggle loops 712 that are attached to a side of theplatform 700, ready to be inflated. The Air Toggle 710 is then inflatedand sits in position next to the platform 700, held in place by theloops 712.

Air Toggle loops 712 are a loop of fabric (typically they are 25 mm wideand approximately 57 cm long) when they are not in use they are held inplace on the side of the platform 700 with a Velcro® flap (not shown)about 8 cm in length-the dimensions of the flap and loop may vary if thedimensions of the platform 700 are changed. The loops 712 could also beformed by bungee or other material, as long as they can loop round tosecure the Air Toggle and hold it in place. When the Air Toggles 710 areused, the Velcro (RTM) flap is released on each Air Toggle loop 712 tobe used and the loops 712 pull out, the deflated Air Toggle is fedthrough all the Air Toggle Loops 712 and inflated, thus fitting roundand holding in place the inflated Air Toggle 710. Air Toggles 710 aredesigned so that platforms 700 can link to other platforms or otherfloating systems with the Air Toggle linking system as described in GBPatent application number 1319142.4.

The Air Toggle linking system works to link two platforms 700 byreleasing the Air Toggle loops 712 on the first platform along with theAir Toggle loops 712 on the Second platform 700. A deflated Air Toggle710 is inserted through all of the released Air Toggle loops 712 forboth platforms, thus holding the two platforms together, then inflatingthe Air Toggle 710 for an entrapment free connection.

The Pressure between the platform 700 and the Air Toggle 710 holds theportable upright stand 100 in place between the platform 700 and the AirToggle 710. This occurs because the curved sections 105, 106 iscompressed by the air pressure within the platform 700 and the AirToggle 710. The calibrated stainless wire ropes 109 are then attachedwith the hook ends 704 of the bottle screws 706, to the platform D-Rings702 situated at either side of the platform. Bottle screws 706 can thenbe wound in to tighten the calibrated wire ropes, bracing the portableupright stand 100 in a central position and minimising side-to-sidemovement of the stand 100. Portable upright stand 100 has D-rings 107,that can attach to wires 109 to provide additional way of securing theportable upright stand to the platform. The umbrella, or other uprightpole can be inserted into the hollow interior 112 of tubular section 101of the portable upright stand 100, until it slides to the bottom. Asshown in FIG. 21, the umbrella is inserted into the interior 112 of thetubular section 101 of the stand 100. Using the turning handle, thethreaded screw 111 can be tightened, fixing the umbrella or otherupright into the portable upright stand 100.

The additional support provided by attaching the wires 109 to theD-rings 702 on the floating platform 700 is optional, and in the case ofportable upright stands 200, 300, the fact that the curved sections arelarger will provide more grip to the platform 700 and/or the Air Toggle710 so additional securing means may not be required. This method allowsany of the aforementioned portable upright stand, without additionalsecuring means, to be positioned anywhere along any side of a platform,between a platform 700 and an Air Toggle 710 as long as there is atleast one Air Toggle Loop 712 either side of the portable upright stand.Alternatively, the portable upright stand may also be positioned betweentwo adjacent platforms, 700, that are firmly held together (to providethe pressure to support the portable upright stand in position). Theplatforms may be held in position tightly together by a ratchet or anyother fixing means.

FIGS. 19 (top view) and 20 (bottom view) show how the portable uprightstand of the fourth embodiment 400 is attached to an inflatableplatform. As shown, the portable upright stand 400 is positioned betweenthe platform 700 and an Air Toggle 710. As discussed above withreference to FIGS. 18, 21 and 22, the deflated Air Toggle 710 is passedthrough the released Air Toggle loops 712 of platform 700. The deflatedAir Toggle 710 is also passed through the middle of circular sections406 and 406′ of the portable upright stand 400. The Air Toggle 710 andthe middle of circular sections 406 & 406′ and the Air Toggle Loops 712will have matching diameters, so that when the Air Toggle 710 isinflated it is held snugly within the Air Toggle loops 712 and circularsections 406. Preferably this diameter is 20 cm but other diameters maybe possible. This snug fit between the air toggle 710, the circularsection 406 & 406′ and the platform 700 will keep the portable uprightstand 400 firmly in place, and maintained in an upright position,without the need for extra securing fixings.

When the platform 700 and Air Toggle 710 are inflated, and the portableupright stand 400 is positioned between them, then circular sections 406are secured as discussed above, passing around inflated Air Toggle 710,and the other curved sections, 405 & 405′ are a snug fit against a sideor an end of the platform 700. Air Toggle loops can be provided on allsides of the platforms and therefore the portable upright stand can bepositioned anywhere on the perimeter of platform, on any side or end ofthe platform 700. The curved sections 405 & 405′ will be sized toprovide a snug fit against the side of the platform 700, typically 20 cmhigh. The supporting rib 440 is positioned on the portable upright stand400 so that it will sit against the underside of the platform 700 andprovide additional security for holding the portable upright stand 400in place against the platform 700. Supporting rib 440 also keeps curvedsections 405 & 405′ braced apart at even distances.

To support the portable upright stand 400 a platform 700 or othersupporting structure needs to be fully inflated. The portable uprightstand 400 is positioned in place where required alongside any side ofthe platform 700. The Air Toggle 710 is fed through one of the AirToggle loops 712 near the portable upright stand 400, through circularsections 406 of portable upright stand 400, and then finally though thenext Air Toggle loop 712. If there are more Air Toggle loops 712 on oneside of the platform and a longer Air Toggle 710 is used, the Air Toggle710 will be fed through more Air Toggle Loops 712, as long as there isat least one Air Toggle Loop 712 positioned either side of the portableupright stand 400. The Air Toggle 710 is then inflated to full pressure(typically 5.5 psi), bracing the portable upright stand 400 intoposition. Umbrellas or other upright structures can then be placed intothe portable upright stand 400 and secured into place. The Air Togglesand loops as described above may be used with any of the embodiments ofthis invention.

This method allows the portable upright stand 400 to be positionedanywhere along any side of a platform, between a platform 700 and an AirToggle 710 as long as there is at least one Air Toggle Loop 712 eitherside of the portable upright stand 400. Feeding the deflated Air Toggle710 through the circular piece 406, 406′ of the portable upright stand400, then inflating the Air Toggle 710, allows for the portable uprightstand 400 to be supported in an upright position by the inflated AirToggle 710 and without the need for additional secondary support fromwire chain and D-ring points. The sizes of Air Toggle 710 can vary, forexample, they may be 0.8 m, 1.5m, 2 m, 2.5, 3.5 m, 4 m, 4.5 m in lengthbut they can be any desired length according to the size of the platformthey will fit with. Air Toggles 710 can also vary in diameter in thisexample they are 20 cm, however they can be any size to match the sizeof the platform Alternatively, the Air Toggle 710 may be replaced byanother inflatable support, that is sized to fit with the Air Toggleloop 712, and that may, for example, be an L-shaped support, or otherinflatable support formed of one or more components, where one of thecomponents is positioned at an angle between 45° to 135° to the othercomponent.

In all of the embodiments, the portable upright stand 400 can beattached to a single platform 700, and just requires a second support,such as the Air Toggle loop 710, to hold the portable upright stand 400securely in position between the platform and the second support.Preferably, the Air Toggle 710 will be held in place by Air Toggle loops712 but there may be other means of securing the second support inposition with respect to the platform 700. An Air Toggle 710, or othersecuring means can be used to link platforms 700 together. Therefore,the portable upright stand 100, 200, 300, 400 can be positioned inbetween any linking platforms or other inflatable such as NautiBuoySEABOB and Jet-ski docks, preferably using the Air Toggle System to holdit in place. In this way, the portable upright stand 100,200,300,400 canbe positioned between a platform 700 and a NautiBuoy SEABOB dock andpositioned between the linking of any two inflatables either using theAir Toggle linking system or other securing means.

This invention provides a novel portable upright stand that can hold anumbrella or other upright structure to an inflatable or other platform.The Air Toggle inflation system as described in GB1417973.3 is used tohold the portable upright stand in place, this may also be used withtubular connectors as described in PCT/EP2018/062810.

In the forgoing specification, an invention has been described withreference to specific illustrated examples. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

The connections as discussed herein may be any type of mechanicalconnections. The sizes and locations of particular components need notbe exactly as shown, as the drawings and description enable a skilledperson to replicate the concepts described herein.

Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively ‘associated such that the desired functionality is achieved.Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particularfunctionality can be ‘associated with’ each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediarycomponents. Likewise, two components so associated can also be viewed asbeing ‘operably connected’, or ‘operably coupled’ to each other toachieve the desired functionality.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withsome embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific formset forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limitedonly by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature mayappear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, oneskilled in the art would recognize that various features of thedescribed embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention.In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence ofother elements or steps.

Thus, an improved solution is described for a portable upright stand,preferably for use with a floatable or inflatable platform, to hold anumbrella or other upright structure. The inventor of the presentinvention has recognised and appreciated a number of problems withexisting designs, which have been substantially alleviated with theconcepts described herein.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A stand suitable for attachment to a floatable orinflatable structure, for supporting an upright, comprising: first andsecond arcuate sections, curving in opposed directions; a hollow tubularsupport for receiving the upright; wherein the hollow tubular support islocated between said first and second arcuate sections and connected toeach of said sections.
 27. A stand according to claim 26, furthercomprising a central support having a top side and a bottom side;wherein said hollow tubular support is located on said top side of saidcentral support and extends substantially perpendicular to said centralsupport; and said tubular support is connected to said first and secondarcuate sections on the bottom side of said central support.
 28. A standaccording to claim 27, wherein said first and section arcuate sectionare connected to said central support proximate the perimeter of saidcentral support.
 29. A stand according to claim 27, wherein said firstand second arcuate sections are connected at their common tangent.
 30. Astand according to claim 26, wherein at least one of said first andsecond arcuate sections has an elliptical or circular shape curved toprovide the arcuate section.
 31. A stand according to 26, wherein atleast one of said first and second arcuate sections is a partial sectionof the outer surface of a tube
 32. A stand according to 26, wherein saidfirst and second arcuate sections are sections of the circumference ofan ellipse or circle, and further comprising third and fourth arcuatesections that are sections of the circumference of an ellipse or circle,said third and fourth section located at the opposite end of saidcentral support and parallel to said first and second arcuate sectionsrespectively.
 33. A stand according to claim 32, further comprising atleast one reinforcing rib between one of said first and third arcuatesections and said second and fourth arcuate sections.
 34. A standaccording to claim 32, wherein at least one of said first and thirdarcuate sections, or at least one of said second and fourth arcuatesections are complete circles or ellipses; joined by at least onereinforcing rib.
 35. A stand according to claim 34, wherein both of saidfirst and third arcuate sections, or both of said second and fourtharcuate sections are complete circles or ellipse, so in one of theopposed directions the tubular section is supported by a partial curvedsection, and in the opposed direction the tubular section is supportedby a circular or elliptical section, defining a tubular region that asupport element can pass through.
 36. A stand according to claim 26,wherein said first and second arcuate sections are the same size.
 37. Astand according to claim 27, wherein one of said first and secondarcuate sections extends beyond the central support, and the other doesnot extend beyond the central support
 38. A stand according to claim 26,further comprising a releasable locking system for releasably securingthe upright in said support.
 39. A stand according to claim 38, whereinsaid releasable locking system is a threaded bolt that screws into saidtubular support to hold said upright in position.
 40. A stand accordingto claim 38, wherein said tubular support includes a hole which willengage a push fit switch on the upright to hold the upright in position.41. A stand according to claim 26, further comprising at least oneadditional securing fixing on said tubular support for securing saidstand to said structure at a secondary location on said structure.
 42. Astand according to claim 41, wherein said additional securing fixing isa D-ring affixed to the outer surface of said tubular support.
 43. Astand according to claim 26, wherein said central support issubstantially circular or substantially rectangular.
 44. A standaccording to claim 43, wherein said central support is formed from acircumference and at least one circumferential support extending fromsaid circumference to connect said circumference to the outer of saidtubular support.
 45. A stand according to claim 26, that is formed ofmetal or plastic.